PRESS ASSOCIATION -- Adele is to be recognised for a hat-trick of achievements by Guinness World Records.

The chart-topping singer - who has become a global superstar - is included for the astonishing success of her second album 21.

She has set new UK records for a solo female with both the most consecutive weeks at number one - 11 - and the most cumulative weeks at the top (21).

In addition she is the first woman to have two singles and two albums in the UK top five at the same time.

Adele - who has recently had to pull a series of live shows due to a chest infection - is included in a new edition of Guinness World Records, published on Thursday.

Craig Glenday, editor-in-chief for Guinness World Records, said: "Adele is a wonderful role model for aspiring singers - and for all young people.

"Her unique vocal talents have rightly propelled her to stardom on both sides of the Atlantic, and her honest attitude to fame is refreshing."

Other new records include Rihanna becoming the first woman to have UK number one singles in five consecutive years from 2007 to 2011.